Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has came out and admitted that he believes the Premier League monopoly of four clubs is over.
He thinks the other clubs are catching up and the likes of Everton, Manchester City and Tottenham are set to rival the old so called ‘Big four’ this season.
I think it’s unrealistic to expect Everton or Spurs to rival United and Chelsea for the title but City are a different proposition complete.
Competition
Sir Alex told the Daily Mirror: “Last season the monopoly of what they call the big four was squashed and Tottenham came into it. And you’d think that Tottenham would make progress again this season. Manchester City have bought again, so you obviously have to put them in the equation.
“And I think Everton, after all the injury problems they had last season, will come into it. So it’s going to be a competitive league.
Despite Sir Alex’s views I believe that this season’s title race will still be a three horse race. Spurs and Everton are likely to be competing for the Champions League spots but are unlikely to challenge for the big prize.
Not Good Enough
Liverpool are in a transitional season with new boss Roy Hodgson needing to change things around at Anfield. He’s managed to keep star players striker Fernando Torres and captain Steven Gerrard.
However Hodgson hasn’t been given much cash to strengthen his squad. He did sign England midfielder Joe Cole, who could prove the best buy of the season. According to reports he could soon lose Argentinian captain Javier Mascherano.
If or when the defensive midfielder is sold then the former-Fulham boss could have a bit more cash to spend on bringing in reinforcements. Hodgson knows that if he doesn’t strengthen his squad then Liverpool could struggle this season. Hodgson could be set to sign Juve midfielder Christian Poulsen as a replacement for Mascherano and are being linked with Middlesbrough keeper Brad Jones.
Arsenal could suffer from the same problem they have had the last few seasons, that’s a leaky defence. Arsenal have lost defenders William Gallas, Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre and have only signed one central-defender in the shape of Laurent Koscielny.
The lack of centre-backs could prove a big problem if Thomas Vermaelen or Koscielny get injured. Koscielny also has no experience in the Premier League but from what I have seen he could be another superb signing from Arsene Wenger.
The signing of Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh will also help the Gunners this season but I just don’t think they are currently strong enough to win the Premier League title. Although I’m sure they’ll be in the top four it’s unrealistic to expect them to win the league.
Title Challengers
I believe there are only three sides who could possibly win the Premier League title this season, Champions Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City.
Champions Chelsea still have most of last season’s victorious squad with the exception of midfielders Joe Cole and Michael Ballack. The Blues replaced Cole with Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun. They are also set to sign Brazilian international midfielder Ramires from Benfica.
Although the squads experience will be vital this season but the Blues also need to bring through some of their youngsters to replace aging legs.
Just like Chelsea, United haven’t strengthened their squad significantly, only bringing in two player’s defender Chris Smalling and striker Javier Hernandez. Most United fans want more signings but it seems that money is tight at Old Trafford. United may also give some of their youngsters a try this season.
The other club I believe will be competing for the title are Manchester City. The Citizens have spent an absolute fortune on new players in recent years. This summer they have brought in Spanish midfielder David Silva, midfielder anchorman Yaya Toure and young German full-back Jerome Boateng.
And it looks like they haven’t finished their spending spree just yet with Aston Villa midfielder James Milner set to join the club in the next few days. Inter striker Mario Balotelli could also be heading for Eastlands with discussions currently taking place.
City’s squad is very impressive and with a squad full of quality players it would be a surprise if they weren’t right up there challenging Chelsea and United next season.
Exciting
As always the Premier League promises to be an exciting prospect. With every season more and more quality players are added to Premier League squads. With the Premier League season just a week away now it’s time to get excited and let the games begin!
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